Will the ‘New Energy’ of Kamala Harris Redefine the 2024 Presidential Race?

Christopher Arps, RedState

With President Joe Biden stepping down from the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential emergence as the Democratic Party’s nominee has dramatically reshaped the political landscape. This historic shift of nominees infuses the race with fresh dynamics while certain core elements remain unchanged.

Biden’s departure and Harris’s ascension could potentially energize the Democratic base. Harris, a younger candidate and a woman of color, could revitalize the party’s appeal. Her nomination brings renewed focus to abortion, a dominant issue for Democrats, which may invigorate both their grassroots activists and wealthy donors. With Harris at the helm, campaign contributions are expected to increase, bolstering the party’s resources for the campaign ahead.

Theoretically, Harris is poised to be a more articulate and dynamic spokesperson for the Democratic campaign. I say theoretically because the vice president is known for her infamous word salads. There is hope among the base that she can effectively counter The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which the Left is using to frighten the public, especially African Americans.

Harris faces the daunting task of proving her presidential capabilities in a relatively short time frame. She must demonstrate her capacity to manage the daily responsibilities of the job and that she is capable of making critical decisions that influence our nation’s direction and security. Up until this moment, there have been questions about whether Harris can meet those challenges. These challenges are compounded by Biden’s continued presence as the sitting president.

One problem the Biden/Harris Administration will face in the aftermath of Biden’s decision is how to carefully navigate the optics of Harris’s increased prominence without giving the impression of a co-presidency, a concept not sanctioned by our Constitution and which is problematic for the American public. The balance between her rising profile and Biden’s ongoing presidency will require careful management by the Democratic Party.

Biden’s decision to relinquish the nomination has sparked calls from Republicans for his resignation. They argue that if Biden is unfit to sustain a campaign, the 25th Amendment should be considered to remove him from office.

They make a great argument, but such a move could backfire, in my opinion. It would immediately elevate Harris to the presidency, allowing her to demonstrate her leadership in real time. In the event of a crisis, such as a terrorist attack, Harris’s effective response (a broken clock is right at least twice a day) could significantly enhance her public standing and solidify her capability as a leader.

Despite Biden’s exit from the race, the fundamental dynamics remain unchanged in several respects. Harris will need to defend the Biden-Harris administration’s record, which includes high inflation, high taxes, open borders, illegal immigration, and an inept foreign policy. These issues provide ample ammunition for Republican attacks, and Harris will have the near-impossible task of defending a poor record while giving a prosperous vision for the future.

The mainstream media’s role will be one to watch in this transformed race. The media’s portrayal of Harris will likely echo the enthusiasm and optimism they exhibited during the 2008 election of Barack Obama, the first African American president. We can be sure they will often cite this historical parallel to influence public perception and add astroturf excitement to Harris’s candidacy.

Harris’s candidacy represents both a continuation and a transformation of the Democratic campaign. While the core issues and criticisms remain, Democrats are hoping Kamala’s “new energy” redefines the race. That will remain to be seen.

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